‘You never forget where you came from and the kindness of strangers’

The plan had been to stay for just one year, but 10 years on they have truly made their mark on the city.

Jane, the daughter of John and Breda McCarter, was recently named as the inaugural winner of the Woman of the Year Award from the New York Irish Center.

Speaking to the Journal, Jane told how she was both ‘moved and humbled’ by the honour, which was a lovely way to look back on the eight years she spent there, as well as on her time in New York.

Jane reflected on how she was always a bit of a home bird and very happy in Scoil Iosagain.

After leaving Scoil Mhuire in Buncrana, where she met Robbie, she was keen to stay close to home. She was ‘delighted’ to be accepted into University of Ulster in Magee to study Drama with Psychology and the experience set her on a great path for the future.

“One of my lecturers, Dr Tom Maguire, his speciality was using drama as a vehicle for change and building community and that really stuck with me along with cognitive psychology taught by Ciaran Coyle, and I found there was a massive cross-over in both disciplines.

After University, Jane was delighted join the team at the Playhouse as Heritage Officer with Pauline Ross and Niall McCaughan. Herself and Robbie had both found jobs close to home, and at the time they had ‘not a mid-life crisis, but maybe a quarter life crisis!”

After previously visiting New York and falling in love with it, ”we thought to ourselves: ‘We’re in our early 20s, If we don’t try and have one great adventure now, time will pass us by and we will be at a point where we might not be able to take great adventure so maybe we should try and have a go at ours.

“The plan was to move there for a year, get a year of experience and come back home. That was 10 years ago and I don’t know where it went.”

Despite not knowing anyone in New York, Jane said she and Robbie received strong support. Her uncle, Willie McCarter, had ‘made a couple of introductions’ to people in New York through the International Ireland Fund and she also met Inishowen man Turlough McConnell, who does much work in arts and culture in New York.

“He was so good and welcomed myself and Robbie like we were his niece and nephew. We got a sense of, no matter who you met or who you were talking to, you were made to feel so welcome. Strangers offered you advice and contacts and that stays with you. After we carved out a life in New York we were - and still are - only too happy to meet with people who are coming out, or to give them a call and see how we can help.”

Jane strongly immersed herself in the Irish community and was introduced to Paul Finnegan, executive director of the New York Irish Centre. He wanted to establish an arts and cultural wing and wanted Jane ‘much’ to her ‘surprise’ to build and direct it. She was delighted to accept and built a strong and highly valued annual arts and cultural programme at the centre.

“It was such rewarding work and it’s certainly a big responsibility, as you wanted to ensure the programme had something for everyone.

“From growing up in Buncrana and a close-knit community along the border, I wanted to ensure the programme was inclusive and diverse and had catered for all. The Irish community is so supportive out here. We produced 13 seasons over the eight years, through a countless number of events.”

Jane was delighted when her work led to collaborating with both Donegal County Council and Derry and Strabane District Council.”They both do wonderful work to maintain the strong links between the Diaspora and home.

“It was an absolute pleasure to work with my cousin Aeidin McCarter, Head of Culture at Derry City and Strabane District Council on a very special project when we helped coordinate arrangements to welcome the Clipper Fleet to New York, particularly the home-Clipper captained by our cousin Sean McCarter.”

She was ‘very surprised and honoured’ to learn of the award. “It was so moving to look back on the eight years and hear the many lovely messages. I feel very lucky to have such supportive friends, family and colleagues.”

“Right from when we left Buncrana, went to Derry and through to New York, and over the years. I loved being part of the team at the centre and collaborated with so many people from all walks of life. To receive the award was a massive surprise and a huge honour.”

Jane joined the Ireland Funds team in 2019 and is delighted to be part of a team that helps incredible organisations change lives for the better every day through the support of generous donors.

Jane added how she and Robbie have been so fortunate to have had the support of family and friends, as well as the Irish community in New York.”When you land at JFK Airport to start a new adventure, you don’t really know what to expect, but you never forget where you came from and the kindness of strangers. I am so grateful for all the advice and lessons learned along the way.”